An action for forcible entry and detainer brought pursuant to procedures prescribed otherwise in this title standing alone or when joined with a claim for recovery of rent, damages to the premises, or a claim arising under the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, where the total recovery sought, exclusive of attorney's fees and other court costs, does not exceed the jurisdictional amount for the small claims court, shall be placed on the small claims docket of the district court. The district courts may provide by court rule that any action for forcible entry and detainer may be assigned to the small claims division for determination of the right to possession, regardless of the underlying amount in controversy, at the conclusion of which, the matter shall be returned to the assigned judge for further proceedings. The court clerk shall in connection with such actions prepare the affidavit, by which the action is commenced, and the summons, and generally assist unrepresented plaintiffs to the same extent that he is now required so to do under the Small Claims Procedure Act, Section 1751 et seq. of this title.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 339, § 5, eff. Oct. 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 35, eff. Oct. 1, 1978; Laws 1994, c. 343, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.